Synonyms of canon

canon 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈka-nən 

1

as in doctrine

a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church

members of the church must abide by its canons

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doctrine
• theology
• principle
• dogma
• philosophy
• creed
• belief
• ideology
• canon law
• tenet
• conviction
• symbol
• axiom
• precept
• credo

2

as in list

a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system

the canon of plays that are attributed to William Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words

• list
• listing
• bibliography
• catalog
• chronology
• roster
• registry
• directory
• roll
• roll call
• register
• schedule
• checklist
• menu
• compilation
• index
• table
• compendium
• agenda
• payroll
• inventory
• docket
• glossary
• enumeration
• calendar
• catalogue raisonné
• timetable
• manifest

3

as in law

a collection or system of rules of conduct

the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a lawyer's canon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• law
• constitution
• code
• decalogue
• legislation
• discipline
• common law
• establishment

canyon

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈkan-yən 

variants also cañon

as in ravine

a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ravine
• gorge
• valley
• gulch
• saddle
• gap
• pass
• col
• flume
• crevice
• defile
• abyss
• couloir
• gulf
• notch
• kloof
• fissure
• gill
• trench
• linn
• chasm
• glen
• basin
• cleft
• crevasse
• vale
• dale
• gutter
• gully
• cirque
• hollow
• arroyo
• floodplain
• dell
• combe
• wadi
• kettle
• coulee
• trough
• cwm
• barranca
• wash
• shut-in
• draw
• nullah

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of canon

Noun

However, as that game's story eventually deviated into fan-fiction territory, Age of Imprisonment is considered canon, according to Nintendo. —PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025

Congratulations, AvP fans, the franchise crossover is now officially canon! —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025

Noun

The challenging five-hour round-trip hike follows the Rio Una upstream, and as the canyon narrows, steep rock walls rise on all sides to create a stone corridor where only a sliver of sunlight is visible. —Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Its overall form takes inspiration from Shenzhen's surrounding mountains and canyons, which have served as natural pathways for centuries. —New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025